Sanaa: Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has broadcast a brief audio message, hours after being injured in an attack on his compound in the capital Sanaa. Saleh said he was well and urged the army to confront his tribal opponents, who he blamed for the attack. Seven people were killed. The prime minister and the speaker of parliament were among several injured.
The attack came amid huge demonstrations and continuing fighting between government and armed tribes.
Earlier, troops shelled the home of the brother of tribal leader Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar, the head of the powerful Hashid tribal confederation, who has joined the opposition.
Sheikh Ahmar’s office denied responsibility for the palace attack.
Meanwhile, the European Union set in motion a procedure to evacuate its citizens, foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said.
Along with France and the United States, it called for an immediate ceasefire.
Saleh received treatment in a military hospital, after at least two shells hit a mosque in the presidential compound.
The extent of his injuries is unclear, although various reports say he received scratches, or was hit by shrapnel in the head or neck.
Prime Minister Ali Mohammed Mujawar, speaker of parliament Yahya al-Rai and several other officials were also wounded.
Al-Arabiya TV reported that Mr Rai was in a critical condition.
Officials said Saleh would soon appear in public, but it was not until more than six hours later that state TV broadcast his recorded audio message.
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